We had a very successful 2016 Festival, spreading the word about the importance of the River Wye both as our local environment and as a global water artery, which connects us to other people and rivers around the world. We had nearly too much water at some events bewteen 29th April & 15th May, but that did not dampen what was an incredibly vibrant and involving community event – we worked with more than 520 schoolchildren in preparing for the Festival, making the wonderful Festival flags. We were deluged with more than 1000 origami birds made by local people of all ages for an avian art installation at Tintern Old Station, and brought together more than 220 individual singers, musicians and amateur actors from our riverside communities to perform at the events alongside seasoned professionals. We were also entertained by 17 local youth theatre groups, choirs and bands. 170 torchbearers from the local communities joined with us to bless the waters of the Wye at the different events along the river and we welcomed in excess of 27,000 visitors and 1200 local school children.

Have a look at the e-programme below or through the button on the right for an idea of what went on. Wye Valley River Festival 2016 was an artistic out pouring of silliness, song, story and spectacle in our outstanding landscape that connects you with our complex and universal relationship with water. The Water Ones and the Caravans celebrated nature, culture landscape and life along the River Wye and beyond.

Have a look at our e-Programme by clicking on the cover image

The full evaluation of the Wye Valley River Festival 2016 has been completed. About 150 audience feedback forms were analysed and participant Festival performers and crew were also formally surveyed. The AONB Unit and Festival Team have undertaken several review meeetings and the AONB Joint Advisory Committee has debated the outcomes of the Festival. The full Evaluation Reports are avilable through the links at the top of the page.